Blue Glasses Math

In this engaging episode, Ron Martiello shares his deeply personal and evolving journey with mathematics. From proudly wearing Smurf stickers in elementary school after winning fast-fact games to becoming a passionate math coach and author, Ron reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his perspective. He dives into the power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in creating accessible math instruction for all students and underscores the role of collective efficacy in transforming teaching practices. Throughout the conversation, Ron lifts up the importance of professional development and encourages educators to stay curious, collaborative, and open to change.

Takeaways

• Ron Martiello has a diverse background in education, including roles as a teacher, administrator, and math coach.
• His journey with math has evolved from a love-hate relationship to a renewed passion for teaching.
• Professional development can significantly shift educators' perspectives on teaching math.
• Collective efficacy among educators can lead to improved student outcomes.
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is essential for making learning accessible to all students.
• Creating a common language in math instruction helps students connect concepts across grades.
• Teachers should be open to new ideas and approaches in their teaching.
• The importance of patience in the learning process for both students and educators.
• Engaging in conversations with colleagues can spark innovative teaching strategies.
• Continuous learning is vital for educators to adapt to changing educational landscapes.

Connect with Ron.

https://mathuniversallyspeaking.com/

Listen to Ron's podcast: Math, Universally Speaking

https://mathuniversallyspeaking.com/podcasts/

Buy Ron's book:

Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design: An Inclusive Instructional Approach for Grades K–8

https://www.ascd.org/books/conquering-math-myths-with-universal-design?variant=124004

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Zach Champagne shares his journey in math education, emphasizing the importance of authentic questioning, fostering curiosity, and creating safe spaces for students to express their ideas. The discussion highlights the need for teachers to model vulnerability and uncertainty, as well as the value of community and discourse in the math classroom. Zach also discusses innovative approaches to teaching math and the significance of building confidence in students through belief in their ideas.

In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Marc Seigel—STEM educator and high school chemistry and design teacher—to talk about the power of mistake-making in learning. From flaming Doritos to balloon experiments that didn’t go quite as planned, Marc shares how he creates hands-on spaces where students feel safe to take risks, try new things, and grow from every misstep.

We dig into how something as simple as a whiteboard can free students from fear, how assessments can be reimagined to support learning over perfection, and how Marc’s daily practice of posting quotes outside his classroom has had an incredible ripple effect on the school community.

Yes, we talk about science—but this conversation is really about trust, courage, and building a classroom culture where students learn to be thinkers, not just answer-getters.

What happens when someone who studied actuarial science and worked in corporate consulting walks away to teach high school math? In this episode, I sit down with Paul Battaglia—a powerful voice in math education who brings passion, intentionality, and deep belief in students to every lesson he teaches. We talk about his journey into education, how he keeps math relevant and real for his students, and why relationships are the foundation of everything he does in the classroom. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to teach math from a place of connection and conviction, this one’s for you.

Connect with Paul!

What if the best way to help students to see themselves as math people...is to let them lead the way?

In this episode, I sit down with Anne Paoletti-Bayna - award winning educator and creator of a groundbreaking math research elective designed to tap into high school students' curiosity. Anne shares how she creates space where teenagers can ask their own questions and explore mathematics through inquiry, creativity and personal meaning.

Connect with Anne!

https://x.com/paomaths/with_replies

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-paoletti-bayna/

What if the best way to help students see themselves as math people… is to let them lead the way?

In this episode, I sit down with Anne Paoletti-Bayna—award-winning educator and creator of a groundbreaking math research elective designed to tap into high school students' curiosity. Anne shares how she creates a space where teenagers can ask their own questions and explore mathematics through inquiry, creativity, and personal meaning.

What happens when we stop treating math like a checklist and start seeing it as a living, breathing human experience? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kris Childs shares how centering student interests — starting with a group of sneaker-obsessed teens — unlocked a classroom full of powerful mathematical thinking. We explore why context matters, how technology can be a tool for deeper engagement, and why preparing students for life beyond school means rethinking how we teach math today. If you’re ready to turn your lessons into meaningful, real-world experiences, this episode is for you.

Connect with Dr. Kristopher Childs!

https://www.youtube.com/@DrKChilds

https://www.kristopherchilds.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristopherjchilds/

In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Dr. Chepina Rumsey and Dr. Jody Guarino, authors of Nurturing Math Curiosity with Learners in Grades K–2.

They unpack the power of student-driven inquiry in early math classrooms—and how curiosity, when nurtured, becomes the gateway to mathematical reasoning, identity, and joy.

From classroom anecdotes involving first graders debating the relative “bigness” of five, to post-lesson reflections that changed teacher beliefs, this episode paints a hopeful and practical picture of what’s possible when teachers slow down, notice deeply, and let curiosity lead.

Spoiler alert: The brilliance is already in the room. Our job? Make space for it.

Perfect for teachers, instructional coaches, and anyone building math learning communities that celebrate wonder over worksheets.

https://x.com/mathcuriosityK2

https://www.solutiontree.com/free-resources/mathematics/nmc

What if math felt like a playground instead of a test?

In this episode, I sit down with Cindy Lawrence, executive director and CEO of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) in New York City and one of its visionary founders. We explore Cindy’s math story, from second-grade struggles to rediscovering wonder through museum-making.

We talk about the emotions that live inside math — joy, struggle, curiosity — and what it means to feel seen, safe, and celebrated as a math person. From riding a square-wheeled tricycle to the upcoming MoMath expansion, Cindy shares how the museum turns awe-inspiring math into a full-body experience.

Whether you're a teacher, student, parent, or just someone who’s ever said “I’m not a math person,” this episode will challenge that narrative and invite you to play with math in new ways.

Vist MoMath in NYC

!https://momath.org/

Deborah Peart brings her perspective of what it feels like to be a student in a classroom whose mathematical ideas are not valued. Deborah uses her experiences as a student of math to help teachers understand that all students can learn math AND that all people who do math - are Mathers.

Deborah is the founder of My Mathematical Mind. She trains teachers to create environments where all students can develop lasting and positive math identities and improve achievement in math.

https://mymathematicalmind.com/